By Lauri Schwartz
Madison Starlings

Madison Starlings Volleyball club has been challenging institutional racism toward Madison African American girls and boys since 2011 by increasing access to club volleyball with a model where participating youth earn membership through volunteer time rather than fees or scholarships. Madison Starlings started at O’Keefe Middle School that year as a local chapter of the national organization and movement that aims to provide equal access to quality volleyball training.

Starlings Inc. is named for the birds that stick together, creating beautiful murmurations to protect each bird. The coordinated movements of thousands of these black birds together are awesome. The use of the starling for this movement by African Americans was thus intentional.

You can join this movement to make a practical difference to counter structural racism by volunteering with Madison Starlings anytime from October‒May 2021. You might choose to assist at a single event like registration, training and volunteering for a single six-hour shift; or on two, three or four dates for two or three hours; or for multiple advertising/awareness drives; or as a mentor or driver to support a youth who otherwise would not be able to participate.

Knowledge of volleyball is not needed, just a passion to work alongside youth.

We also need coaches. If you play(ed) volleyball, you could be trained to lead or assist with a team. Commitment ranges from one to two practices per week, for pay, beginning in early October. Many choices of location, days of the week and time are available. 

If you coach with us, you develop meaningful impactful relationships with 12 young girls, and significantly impact the rest of their lives. The majority of our athletes are minorities, thus providing a new vision for everyone everywhere we practice, play and compete.

You share a passion and commitment to youth, to all, to countering racism. Share your skills with us in that effort.

Please e-mail madisonstarlings@gmail.com, attention Volunteers Bold for Equality.